by Samantha Elliott

Created on: August 25, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Manchester, the largest city in New Hampshire, is gathering steam by the minute and catching up with the much larger US cities as far as crowd-pleasing amenities. With healthy lifestyles always in the spotlight these days, gyms, farmer's markets, and new athletic stores seem to be popping up everywhere in the city. Though the old standby, outdoor recreation, is always an option here to get a good workout (with the added bonus of fresh air), residents are overjoyed and eager to join the new health clubs in the area.

The most talked about would definitely be Planet Fitness, on 736 Huse Road. While this is a national company and probably not a big deal to most of America, it is a sparkling new concept for the small state of NH. First and foremost, anything being open for 24 hours is nearly unheard of. Is it necessary? Do people in these parts choose 3:00 AM to hit the elliptical trainer? Probably not, but they do like to have the option open if they do so choose! It also helps out-of-towners take Manchester more seriously as a cool, hip metropolis. Another rare feature is that it is an enormous stand-alone building rather than a small storefront in a strip mall like the older gyms. Spacious, huge, and purple, this new fixture easily racked up memberships by curiosity alone. On top of that, heavy advertising of their unbelievably low price of $10.00 per month has nearly everyone in town swinging the little member tags on their key chains. The best benefit of all is the "no attitudes allowed" type of philosophy. No matter your size or fitness level, you can feel comfortable exercising in their "judgement free zone".

Looking for the most highly-touted, state-of-the-art facility in the entire region? It will cost you quite a bit more, but The Executive Health & Sports Center has droves of loyal members that would not consider anywhere else. The 108,000 square foot, impeccably clean facility can be found at 1 Highlander Way right next to the Manchester airport. The list of amenities is so chock full it would be much easier to state what they do not have available. Aquatics sports and training? Check. Spa services? Yep. Fitness boot camp? You bet! The latest in cardiovascular equipment? You name it, they have it. There are also plenty of children's programs available, such as karate, junior racquetball, and nutrition classes. Even if the kids do not participate, daycare in their fabulous playroom is available at most hours so parents can more easily fit their exercise

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